For the first time, I’m going to write an article in the first person, because today has been a very hard day for all of us who make up the Peña la Cabra, but especially for Serafín, our president and King of the Carnival, as well as for the four brave men who carried Doña Sardina on their shoulders and who, before cremating her, raised her to the highest point, to heaven, so that our colleague and friend “Fity” could caress her with his fingers and carry her on his shoulders again as in previous years.

These were very difficult moments, the pain of every step, every jump, and every dance, all carried out so that the audience could enjoy a funeral just as it has been celebrated since 1982, always organized by the Peña la Cabra.

The Miguelturra Carnival Association and all the groups that comprise it have always been with us in the celebration of this event, but this year, they have been part of the organization. With their support, the celebration has continued as always, looking to the future, but without forgetting all those who were left behind, who are no longer with us, always prevailing in our hearts.

This year the burial has had the support of the peñas

Major Masks, Councilor for Celebrations, widows and widowers, the clergy, boys and girls, street masks, Cupids, men and women, today was also Valentine’s Day, and even Elvis himself wanted to say goodbye to Mrs. Sardine.

At five in the afternoon, the funeral procession began the traditional funeral procession through the streets of Miguelturra, packed with people who wanted to bid farewell to the unfortunate Sardina amid sobs, tears, smiles, and dancing.

Once the funeral procession reached the end of its route, a minute of silence was observed in memory of our colleague, as well as for the young man who tragically passed away during the Herencia Carnival celebrations.

A pile of olives served as the base for the purifying fire that incinerated Doña Sardina and brought the most traditional burial of the Castilla-La Mancha carnival to a close. Afterwards, some 100 kg of fresh sardines and more than 50 liters of lemonade were roasted and distributed among those present.

Mrs. Sardine, rest in peace until next year.

Bernardino Martínez Romero
Peña la Cabra of Miguelturra